Bathurst South Public School principal Greg Cross said students would be devastated to learn of the senseless death of the school’s five chickens.

Wire cutters were used to cut through a 1.8 metre fence to enter the enclosure before each animal was killed and their nesting box was set on fire.

 “No chickens survived the attack,” he told the Western Advocate on the weekend.

Tammy McLaughlin was one of the readers to take to the Western Advocate Facebook page to vent her anger.

“That’s so disgusting how anybody can do such a thing to an innocent poor animal. I hope they get what they deserve,” she posted.

Cathy Robinson was concerned over the trauma the death of the chickens would cause the students.

“So sad to see what is happening in society these days, the senseless slaughter of defenceless animals who cannot protect themselves,” she posted. “I’m sure these chicks would have been well loved by the children of this school.”

Wendy Chapman also voiced her disgust in the cowardly attack.

“It makes me sick. I really hope these scumbags are caught, and quick. What the hell is wrong with this world,” she posted on Facebook.

Mr Cross said students had taken turns feeding, watering and collecting eggs from the small flock over the last 12 months.

“Having the chickens was good for the kids and good for the school,” he said.

Chifley Local Area command Inspector Colin Cracknell said police were investigating the incident.

He issued an appeal for anyone who noticed anything in the vicinity of the school on Friday night to contact Bathurst police on 6332 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.